Bars, Police Work Together

CREATED Dec. 30, 2012

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  • Bars, Police Work Together Video by nbc26.com

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GREEN BAY, WI--  It's a "one-two" punch for law enforcement this weekend. A Packers game Sunday and New Years Eve celebrations, means a lot more people out at the bars and a lot more OWI patrols.

It's a joint effort between law enforcement and bars to make sure you get home safe. There are extra police on the roads, but bar managers are also doing their part preventing someone too drunk from getting behind the wheel.

The beer is flowing at Titletown Brewing Company in Green Bay. Bar manager Kelly King is expecting a very busy night.

"Things can get a little crazy," said King.

All the more reason to make sure her staff is prepared. King says they go a step past what is required by law, liscencing each bartender to serve not just the bar manager.

Plus, everyone is required to take a class on how to serve responsibly.

"We have to watch out and see if they are having poor judgement if they are showing lack of coordination or slow reactions, such as dropping their wallet or slurring their words."

If you're too drunk he bar will call you a cab and the Brown County Tavern League will cover the costs.

"It saves lives. There is no question about that. You can't measure that. Anyone who takes a safe ride home you don't know what might have happened to them otherwise" said Brown County Tavern league president, Barry Fitzgerald.

But if a drunk driver is on the roads they're likely to run into the OWI task forces. 

" We focus on the main highways because that is where our worst OWI crashes normally end up happening" said Captain Randy Schultz with the Brown County Sheriff's Department.

Bars and police working hand in hand for a safe holiday weekend. The Tavern League Saferide program runs year round but this week will be one of it's busiest.

It is available in all Wisconsin counties. About the half bars in Brown County are Tavern League members.